Center console having a stowable map pocket cover

Abstract

A center console for an automotive vehicle includes a storage bin having a hinged lid movable between open and closed positions. The lid has an inner surface facing the bin in the closed position. An outer surface extends from the storage bin. A pocket is recessed relative to the outer surface. The pocket is spaced apart from the storage bin. A cover is releasably attachable to the outer surface for covering the pocket. The cover is releasably attachable to the inner surface of the lid for storing the cover when it is not in use.

1. A center console for use in an interior of an automotive vehicle, said center console comprising:
 a storage bin having a hinged lid movable between open and closed positions, said lid having an inner surface facing the bin in the closed position; 
 an outer wall extending from said storage bin; 
 a pocket recessed relative to said outer wall; 
 a cover being releasably attachable to said outer wall for covering said pocket, said cover being releas ably attachable to said inner surface of said lid for storing said cover when it is not in use. 
 
     
     
       2. A center console as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the cover includes a latch arrangement reteasably coupling said cover to said outer wall for covering said pocket, said latch arrangement releasably coupling said cover to said inner surface of said lid for storing said cover when it is not in use. 
     
     
       3. A center console as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein said latch arrangement includes a recess formed on an end of said cover, said recess adapted to receive an edge of said outer wall for locating said cover relative to said pocket. 
     
     
       4. A center console as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein said latch arrangement includes a pawl lockingly engagable with said outer wall for locking said cover in a position covering said pocket. 
     
     
       5. A center console as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein said pawi is pivotally coupled to an end of said cover for movement in and out of locking engagement with an outwardly extending tab from said outer wall. 
     
     
       6. A center console as set forth in  claim 5  including a biasing member continuously biasing said pawi toward a locked position for engagement with said tab. 
     
     
       7. A center console as set forth in  claim 6  wherein said pawl includes a cam surface for moving said pawl out of said locked position as said cover is placed into position covering said pocket. 
     
     
       8. A center console as set forth in  claim 6  wherein said pawi includes a button to facilitate manual actuation of said pawi between locked and unlocked positions. 
     
     
       9. A center console as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein said recess and said pawl of said cover are engagable with an edge and a tab on said lid, respectively, for retaining said cover in a storage position along said inner surface of said lid. 
     
     
       10. An automotive vehicle comprising:
 a center console disposed between front seats in an interior portion of said vehicle, said center console having an outer wall, said center console having a pocket recessed relative to said outer wail; 
 a cover being releasably attachable to a first position along said outer wall for covering said pocket, said cover being releasably attachable to a second position spaced apart from said first position for storing said cover when it is not in use; and 
 a storage bin having a hinged lid movable between open and closed positions, said lid having an inner surface facing the bin in the closed position; 
 said cover releasably is attachable to said inner surface of said lid for storing said cover when it is not in use. 
 
     
     
       11. An automotive vehicle as set forth in  claim 10 , wherein the cover includes a latch arrangement for retaining said cover in one of said first and second positions. 
     
     
       12. An automotive vehicle as set forth in  claim 11  wherein said latch arrangement includes a recess formed on an end of said cover and adapted for locating said cover in one of said first and second positions. 
     
     
       13. An automotive vehicle as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein said latch arrangement includes a pawl for locking said cover in one of said first and second positions. 
     
     
       14. An automotive vehicle as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein said paw!is pivotally coupled to an end of said cover for movement between locked and unlocked positions. 
     
     
       15. An automotive vehicle as set forth in  claim 13  including a biasing member continuously biasing said pawl toward said locked position. 
     
     
       16. An automotive vehicle as set forth in  claim 14  wherein said second position is an inner surface of a hinged storage bin lid. 
     
     
       17. A center console for use in an interior of an automotive vehicle, said center console comprising:
 a storage bin having a hinged lid movable between open and closed positions, said lid having an inner surface facing the bin in the closed position; 
 an outer wall extending from said storage bin; 
 a pocket recessed relative to said outer wail; 
 a latch arrangement releasably coupling a cover to said outer wall for covering said pocket, said latch arrangement releasably coupling said cover to said inner surface of said lid for storing said cover when it is not in use. 
 
     
     
       18. A center console as set forth in  claim 17 , wherein said latch arrangement includes a recess formed on an end of said cover, said recess adapted to receive an edge of said outer wail for locating said cover relative to said pocket. 
     
     
       19. A center console as set forth in  claim 18 , wherein said latch arrangement includes a pawi lockingly engagable with said outer wall for locking said cover in a position covering said pocket. 
     
     
       20. A center console as set forth in  claim 19 , wherein said pawi is pivotally coupled to an end of said cover for movement in and out of locking engagement with an outwardly extending tab from said outer wall.